Ansley Bunger

Name of School
University of North Texas

Expected Graduation Date:
12/10/2021

Faculty Nominator
Brooks Oliver

Reason for Faculty Nomination
“Ansley Bunger is an impressive student and I believe her to be an ideal and deserving candidate or your Award and Fellowship. Her work is well thought out, conceptually thought provoking and is well crafted.

Her work draws you in for a closer look through impressively crafted animals however the contexts surrounding them quickly confront viewers with challenging conversations often addressing issues of climate change and sustainability. The work is a direct reflection of the viewers personal involvement and impact on the topic at hand, and I believe this to be an extremely powerful tool within Ansley’s work. For example: how many “ice cups” of liquid can one be tempted to consume for personal benefit before affecting the polar bears sculptures precariously balancing on a group of said cups- a sobering form of the childhood Thin Ice game.

Many thanks for your consideration.”

Please provide a brief description of your art or medium.
Ceramic sculpture made to create converations about environmental importance.

Is your artwork handmade by you? If not, please explain
Yes.

Are all or some of the components locally sourced?
Yes, the majority of my material is clay that I purchase from my local ceramics store; and the other types of materials are from craft stores.

Artist’s Statement:
Throughout my work, there’s a common pattern of realist concepts. I engage interest by creating pieces that look appealing and, in some cases, even enduring. However, once I have the viewers engagement they are individually confronted with a much deeper meaning – climate change. Thus, raising awareness of the increasingly pressing issue. Each piece reveals various outcomes of natural disasters linked to climate change like wildfires or pollution, in attempt to open the eyes of each viewer. I aim to change their perspective and understanding of the tragedy climate change causes, in hopes they will act. Given the opportunity to create, I make pieces to positively impact our world. My pieces urge the viewer to take individual action and consider their lifestyle. Ultimately, I strive to create art, but also create change.

How you will use the Fellowship funds if you are chosen as the winner.
I would use the funds to explore areas around the world that are most impacted by climate change. I would document my observations through videos, photographs, and sketches. This information will inspire new ideas and key components to highlight that I will convey through my artwork. Another component I want to document is the human interactions around these areas involving these concerns. The way they are treating the issue will inspire the types of materials I will use for my art to enforce the environments need for sustanabilty. This specific documentation will allow my work to be more visual, forcing the viewers to acknowledge their actions. Ultimately, the information I gather from this research journey will enhance my concepts regarding the need for change.